Noctua NF-S12A PWM, Premium Quiet Fan, 4-Pin (120mm, Brown)

Man these fans really, really suck! Or blow, it depends on your orientation. After seeing how popular Noctua has become since my last computer build I decided to try them out on my rebuild for case cooling.They are more expensive than other fansCheaper fans do exist but you definitely get what you pay for. With Noctua you get a highly engineered fan that moves a lot of air quietly with no fan noise. You also get accessories like a cable splitter, extension, silicone mounting devices, and regular screws. Factor in how many extras you get and these fans become highly competitive just on price.They're quietLike silent-but-violent kind of quiet (or silent-but-deadly but I prefer the former). I ended up using a total of five fans to cool my case (3x120mm, 2x140mm) which may be excessive to some but I was tired of hearing my old fans spin up under load and making more noise than I thought was acceptable. Now on an overclocked CPU with a current mid-range GPU in a smaller ATX case the most noise I hear is the air itself moving into the case through the magnetic dust filters. Absolutely no fan whine.They're as easy to install as any other fanIf you've put in one you've put in a million. I ended up not using the extra silicone mounts and just the regular screws because I prefer to have an easier time removing the fans rather than a slightly quieter experience. I'm not after complete quiet in my setup, just mostly quiet, and the metal screws are enough for me.I prefer using the PWM versions of fans since they can then be controlled by the motherboard. Auto up, auto down. These fans are great and I'm definitely going to buy more for my next computer, whenever that will be.

The Noctua NF-S12A PWM Fan is a top-tier cooling fan that offers exceptional performance and reliability. This fan has exceeded my expectations in terms of efficiency, noise level, and overall build quality, making it a standout choice for PC cooling needs.The fan's design is impressive, with advanced aerodynamic features that provide optimal airflow and static pressure. This results in efficient cooling of my PC components, ensuring they stay at a stable temperature even under heavy workloads.The PWM control of the Noctua NF-S12A allows for automatic speed adjustments based on the system's temperature, providing a perfect balance between cooling performance and noise level. Even at higher speeds, the fan remains surprisingly quiet, making it an excellent choice for those who value a silent computing experience.The SSO2 bearing technology ensures smooth and reliable operation, reducing friction and prolonging the fan's lifespan. I am confident in the fan's long-term performance and durability.The fan's anti-vibration pads and fan clips contribute to a noiseless and stable operation, further enhancing the overall quietness of the fan.

Installed two of the NF-S12A PWM as Intake and Exhaust fans. These are the ones optimized for airflow. Once you set a proper fan profile in your BIOS they run nearly silent all the while pushing great airflow. My PC originally came with just an exhaust fan and nothing else. I added a RTX 2080ti and my gpu was pushing 80-84C. After adding the Noctua Intake fan my temps dropped 10-12C. Definitely a worthwhile purchase. The most common complaint I hear about these fans is not about their quality or performance but their color. These are probably the same idiots that make their PC's look like X-mas trees with RGB lighting. When did color of components even become a factor in a quality PC build? Hey can I get my Ferrari in Pink!? Noctua finally caved and now makes them in black. If you're having trouble choosing the correct fan for your application check out the Noctua website- it has all the info you'll ever need.Edit: After extensive testing during intensive cpu & gpu loads I exchanged my NF-S12A Intake for a NF-A12. (I did keep one NF-S12A for the exhaust). The NF-A12 has a higher static pressure rating which worked considerably better on my case. I didn't think it was necessary as I don't have a radiator, dust filter, or any other obstruction for which the NF-A12 is better rated for- just the honeycomb front grate that is common on most cases. As it turns out this was enough of an impedance to make a difference for optimal airflow under load. (No difference at idle). If you're not gaming or doing any other intensive cpu/gpu activities the NF-S12A will be perfectly adequate. Also in my case it not only cooled better but was also quieter under extreme load; (tested with db meter). If you compare fans- the A12 is like a diesel compared to the S12A which is gas powered (torque vs rpm). Depending on your PC case and your objective one or the other will perform much better. I would only recommend the S12A for an intake fan if you have no obstruction whatsoever to impede airflow. In that instance it is a better performer.

Noctua is THE go-to brand for myself and every tech YouTuber that I watch. High performance air flow/cooling, quiet and unmatched build quality. Good to have this option since fans provided by manufacturers of computer cases are always cheap garbage and fail quickly.